Butterfly Spread

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DEFINITION of 'Butterfly Spread'

A neutral option strategy combining bull and bear spreads. Butterfly spreads use four option contracts with the same expiration but three different strike prices to create a range of prices the strategy can profit from. The trader sells two option contracts at the middle strike price and buys one option contract at a lower strike price and one option contract at a higher strike price. Both puts and calls can be used for a butterfly spread.

INVESTOPEDIA EXPLAINS 'Butterfly Spread'

Butterfly spreads have limited risk, meaning you can only lose your initial investment. Your maximum return is when the price of the underlying asset remains around the middle strike price.